Metroid: Samus Returns (3DS) Review

The long-awaited return.

 Nintendo's popular Metroid series has been on hiatus ever since 2010's polarizing Metroid: Other M. Since then, protagonist Samus Aran was rarely seen except in 2014's Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS and last year's less than stellar surprise, Metroid Federation Force. For years, fans have been requesting a proper Metroid venture and Nintendo strangely kept silent. It was until this year that Nintendo took E3 by storm when it announced not one but two Metroid games, the long-awaited Metroid Prime 4 and a remake of the 1991 Gameboy classic, Metroid II: Return of Samus, as Metroid: Samus Returns for the Nintendo 3DS. While Metroid Prime 4 is still early in development, Metroid: Samus Returns is a treat for veterans who were eagerly waiting for a Metroid II remake and first-timers looking to get into the series. Samus Returns is jointly developed by Nintendo EPD (formerly known as EAD) and Spanish developer MercurySteam, of Castlevania: Lord of Shadow fame. It seeks to rebuild the original game from scratch while adding a slew of new features and mechanics into the 26 year-old game. The result is a completely new experience full of the renowned elements that the Metroid series is known for.

STORY- Set before the SNES classic Super Metroid, the Galactic Federation sends out an elite recon squadron to investigate planet SR388 in search of possible galactic threats, however, communication is soon lost when the unit goes missing and Metroid presence is seemingly confirmed. Famed bounty hunter Samus Aran is tasked by the federation to venture into SR388 and exterminate the Metroid species before a galactic catastrophe. The story is overall straightforward with the minimal usage of dialogue to create a lone, mysterious atmosphere. Occasional surprises and Easter Eggs are present along the way to keep things entertaining during the game's surprisingly short runtime.

Samus' in for a rough ride.

GAMEPLAY- Metroid: Samus Returns is a 2D side-scroller with a strong emphasis on exploration and action. Samus controlled in 2D as she navigates the game's rigged and enemy-filled environments. As with all games in the series, Samus starts off little in terms of equipment and must slowly work her to obtain her signature powers through the means of exploration. Many items such as missile expansions and energy tanks are well-hidden behind locked doors that will need to be unlocked by a specific weapon acquired later on in the journey or in plain sight, thus encouraging one to explore every nook and cranny of a room. There are numerous health and ammo station for Samus to refill before tough sections in addition. In some story segments, Samus acquires abilities such as the morph ball, double jump, ice beam, and so on. There are over 50 Metroids that must be destroyed in order to progress through the game's eight areas, some are easy to pick off while other gradually become a challenge as their shapes and sizes start to vary. Pattern memorization plays a key role in victory.  

The bigger they get, the more rewarding they're to kill.

 Samus Returns features new gameplay mechanics as well. Samus can counter melee attacks by enemies indicated by a white flash. A successful counter attack will have them stunned enough for Samus to finish them off. While neat, but tends to disrupt the pace as Samus will constantly have to stop wait to counter attack. Additionally, Samus can freely fire in all directions thanks to the game's 360 degree "Free Aim" mechanic. Moreover, Samus Returns features new abilities for Samus in the form of four "Aeion" powers. The "Scan Pulse" scans a portion of the map, revealing nearby doors and secrets, it's helpful when obtaining endgame expansions though tends to kill some of the sense of curiosity if used early on. "Lighting Armor" is a green protective barrier formed around Samus, protecting her from enemy attacks and hazards. "Beam Burst" has Samus unleashing rapid-fire beam shots. Lastly, "Phase Shift" slows down time so that Samus can pass through otherwise impossible areas. All aeion abilities, especially the beam burst, gradually deplete the Aeion bar, however, killing enemies will net energy and aeion orbs to fill out the meter. Golden Chozo statues are scattered to transport Samus to previous areas and cut down on excessive backtracking. 

Explore every nook and cranny for that 

sweet 100% completion rate.

 Samus Returns makes use of Nintendo's ever popular Amiibo figurines to "enhance" the experience. Two Metroid-based figures were created for the game, one of Samus in her original Metroid II armor and one of a Metroid. The Samus amiibo unlocks an additional energy tank to use while the Metroid amiibo highlights every Metroid location throughout the game. A "Fusion Mode" is also unlocked with Samus receiving her fusion suit from Metroid Fusion. The Smash Bros. amiibo of Samus and Zero Suit Samus unlocks an extra missile tank and concept art and extra energy tank and soundtrack, respectively. While the perks may sound enticing, one could easily finish Samus Returns without their use.

PRESENTATION

Metroid II: Return of Samus

(1991)

 Samus Returns is a complete overhaul of the original Metroid II. Character models and environments have been completely redone from the ground up to offer a more modern look. Additionally, the visuals are brimming with color and variety, compared to the original's black and white aesthetic. Samus Returns doesn't take advantage of the additional capabilities of the New 3DS, though the 3D effects were quite impressive. The soundtrack is a combination of Metroid II and other Metroid games, with familiar tracks making a much needed inclusion.

Samus Returns feels like an all-out new game
instead of a remake.

OVERALL- Metroid II: Return of Samus didn't receive the same amount of success compared to subsequent titles such as the immensely popular Super Metroid and Metriod Prime Trilogy games mainly due to the Game Boy's hardware limitations at the time. A small black and white screen with Samus taking much of it and a lack of a proper map, it felt like a chore to play through for some players. Thankfully, Samus Returns is a excellent reimaging of the black sheep as it introduces existing concepts and new features to two-decade old game similar to what Metroid: Zero Mission did to the original Metroid. Considering their average portfolio, many were skeptical of MercurySteam's capabilities, however, Metroid: Samus Returns stands as an impressive achievement for the Spanish developer.